Masters & Lovers Box Set Three

Bech pushes a vending machine cup at Cappelli. “What’s she saying?”

Cappelli hooks a thumb into a pocket “Never gets any fucking better does it? Denying everything of course. Says she’s being framed.”

Bech barks a laugh. “Of course. Just another victim of a tragic miscarriage of justice.”

“Aren’t they all? Still, looks like that lawyer of hers is going to get her sprung. Bail’s set high but the judge is allowing it. No previous. And it looks like they share a school tie.”

Fuck!

“Who is he? He looked pretty high-class to be the legal for a hooker.”

“Theo Aldred. Subs for Max Devlin. From Hofferman and Partners…”

“Hofferman’s? The prosecutors on the Romani Family case?”

“Yup. Don’t envy him that one. They’ve got all the wits under protection and the judge and lawyers have full surveillance.” Cappelli sucks at the coffee, pulls a face. “Stone-cold… You’re right though. You’d not think he’d turn up for the likes of that one would you?” He tilts the cup at Bech. “I’m going to the machine for another. Want one?”

“Thanks, but no. I’m off in five.”

*****

So, the bitch got herself sprung…

Back in his apartment, Bech paces, curses, bangs his fist on the wall. Then…

The blindingly fuckin’ obvious…

He checks the card index,

And sure enough…

Maximillian Devlin. Lawyer. Married twice. Son by previous.

One daughter by current marriage - favourite topic of conversation. Likes rabbits and pink. Got a pony. Gymkhana. Head girl at Ponterbury.

*****

Michael

then brain-cells line up in good order and I remember where I am. Beside

but when I listen, there is a faint clatter of movement

my Sleeping Beauty. She’s looking better than she has since we returned from the

Her father…

Christ…

hue, and her cheeks are brushed

Babe…

high cheekbones with a fingertip.

me for the last few days, but my beautiful wife; my copper-haired, emerald-eyed,

reaching to touch me,

face, “How are you

are soft and watery. “I’m fine. Really, I’m

to be sorry for. I don’t think any of us would have reacted well to learning what you did.” Tracing a curved brow with the pad of my thumb. “Sometimes life throws shit at us, knocks us down. There's no sin in falling over. Only in not standing up again.” I replace my finger with my lips, kiss her softly. “But it’s good to have

her gaze, she bobs her

have to be in a better state than that if you really want to get yourself pregnant.”

voice is a whisper.

when we talked about it. It’s fine. Just so long as I know. I’ll help however

Her hand curves around the back of my head. “Thank you.” She nuzzles

I never went away. I never will go away…” She sighs. “And yes, I’ve been looking forward to being back in our own bed too. We’ll sleep there tonight. All of us.

forehead creases. “You mean

you’re not in it with us? He might be my good friend, but not

James

upright. “God, I’m starving. Did you bring

James grins. “She’s back.”

*****

Twenty-Six Years Ago